im Macindoe - ACC

19 July 2018

In spite of strike action by ACC medical specialists with at least four more to follow in the next month, we haven’t heard a peep from the ACC Minister as more discontent and industrial action rattles the health sector, National’s spokesperson for ACC Tim Macindoe says.

“Hard on the heels of last week’s nurses’ strike, with those pay claims still unresolved, ACC medical specialists are also striking but like his colleague Health Minister David Clark, the ACC Minister Iain Lees-Galloway is missing in action.

“Given that he also holds the Workplace Relations portfolio, the Minister should be setting the standard and explaining how he is going to quell widespread industrial disruption in our vital public services.

“He is failing to do so, meanwhile the grievances are increasing rapidly, and New Zealanders are suffering major inconvenience and anxiety as a consequence.

“The under-prepared Minister had very little to say about his ACC portfolio when he appeared in front of the Education and Workforce Select Committee frequently deferring to his Chief Executive and Chairperson to hide his lack of answers.

“Our public services are increasingly being disrupted by strike action while the Government fails to live up to its promises.

“It’s time for the Minister to step up and let the public know what is being done about the five weeks of strike action and for him to give an assurance that things in his portfolio are under control.”

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